Bill Abernathy’s Interview
Bill Abernathy is an acclaimed singer-songwriter who recently released his highly-anticipated single, “Call Their Name.” This powerful and heart-touching track showcases Abernathy’s signature storytelling style and heartfelt lyrics.
Inspired by a special encounter with a man distributing backpacks to the homeless in his hometown of Kansas City, Abernathy urges listeners to see and acknowledge the homeless as individuals with needs and dreams. With his previous hit, “Hide Away,” reaching impressive chart positions, Abernathy continues to solidify his position as a beloved artist in the music industry.
Bill took time out to answer some questions for us in the exclusive one-on-one…
What inspired you to become a folk/American singer-songwriter?
The first concert I ever attended was in 1972, I think. The ticket was a birthday present from my brother for my 14th birthday. It was Loggins and Messina, a great singer-songwriter duo that was very popular at the time.
They had just released their âSittinâ Inâ album, which had so many great songs on it. Vahevala, Dannyâs Song, House at Pooh Corner, and many more. I listened to that album incessantly and learned to play many of the songs.
The night of the concert, there was an issue with the bandâs bus, so Loggins and Messina played the whole concert using only acoustic guitars with no band. Listening to the guitar work, the vocals, and the harmonies in such an intimate environment was perfect for me.
Hearing the stories behind the songs, well that is what hit home with me. From that moment on, I was locked into the singer-songwriter music of the era. I knew then if I got a chance to play the music I loved, it would be as close to that sound and genre as possible.
How has your hometown of Kansas City influenced your music?
Kansas City is a great music town. Interesting, but great. On any given night you can find Blues, Jazz, Rock, Folk, Country, and all things in between. I love going out and supporting the local musicians and hearing what they are doing with their music.
3. Your latest single, âCall Their Name,â was inspired by an encounter you had while walking your dog. Can you tell us more about that experience and how it influenced the song?
I call the River Market area in Kansas City my home. We’ve got quite a few folks here who currently donât have to place to call home, and I’ve been fortunate to have made friends with some of them while walking my dog, WORF. They’ve seen WORF grow from a tiny ball of fur into the 65 lb. beast he is today. They always play with him, and he loves seeing them all every time we run across them in the park.
Right before Christmas last year, something really special happened that inspired me to write “Call Their Name.” I witnessed a man pushing a cart loaded with backpacks. He had packed them with essentials like gloves, hats, coats, and some food, and was handing them out to the homeless folks in the park.
All the folks were very grateful and excited to receive these practical and very useful gifts. As each backpack was opened, they sorted out the various items to share with their other homeless friends.
Their willingness to share with others in similar situations and knowing their friendsâ needs was very touching and enlightening. They did not even think about hoarding their gifts but rather wanted to share them with those whom they knew needed them most.
There’s this one guy, Sam, who usually keeps to himself, sitting alone on a bench, just staring at the ground. When the backpackman approached Sam and said, “Merry Christmas, Sam,” the following interaction became the inspiration behind âCall Their Nameâ.
Sam stood up, looked the man in the eyes, and said, “Thank you, sir, this is the best Christmas present I’ve ever had.” The man replied, “Come on, Sam, it’s just some stuff to help, and we do this every year.”
But Sam had the most incredible and heart-touching response: “It’s not about the backpack and all the supplies, though I appreciate all of it. It’s about the fact that you know who I am. You saw me as a person, not just a homeless guy in the park. You knew my name, you remembered my name, and you called me by my name.”
That simple act of recognizing someone’s name can be so impactful and make such a difference. So, here’s all I ask from each of you regarding “Call Their Name.” It’s a challenge I’m putting out there for all of us. Let’s see homeless people as individuals with stories, feelings, needs, wants, and dreams.
Take a moment to think about how you can personally make a difference in their lives, whether it’s through acts of kindness, volunteering, or just lending a helping hand. We can all start with something as simple as “Calling Their Name.”
I saw Sam just the other day. Heâs doing great! Sam now has a permanent place to stay, is working, and was very happy to see the WORF and I. Sam was wearing the coat and carrying a backpack he received that day. Small things can make so much difference!
Bill Abernathy’s Interview
Stream & Enjoy
Your previous single, âHide Away,â reached #5 on the National Radio Hits AC and Country charts. How did it feel to have such a successful song?
When we decided âHide Awayâ would be the first single off MORE, I was a little apprehensive. Itâs more of an emotional introspective song with a pretty mellow acoustic intro and outro.
I was a little concerned that radio would not be a fan of it as it does not have the âpopâ feel that seems to be prevalent today. I was proven wrong by Radio and Listeners as it climbed the charts and continues to do well to this day. I guess there are stations and people out there who are looking for a little more than the standard sound. That makes me feel good! Maybe I should release more songs like that.. wait.. I already have. Ha-ha
Your album âMOREâ has been highly anticipated by your fans. What can they expect from this new release?
MORE is an album Iâve always wanted to make. As a singer-songwriter I think itâs important to put my emotions, thoughts, and opinions, into my music. I think the use of different musical genres is one way to cross that bridge. In this project, I use Rock and Roll, Yacht Rock, Adult Contemporary, Folk Rock, Americana, Country Rock, and Pure Acoustic styles of music.
My hope is the versatility and variability within MORE opens a bit of a window for folks to see different aspects of my personality, allowing me to share my thoughts the best way I know how.
Your music has been described as âheartfeltâ and âpowerful.â How do you ensure that your emotions come through in your songs?
WOW, thatâs a tough question. I think to sit down and write, you have to have found some inspiration. Sometimes that inspiration comes from situations that you donât know how to deal with or even talk about.
Writing is my way of saying things that are easier written than spoken. Jim Croce had a great line… âEven though the time was right all the words just came out wrong, so Iâll have to say I love you in a songâ. I love that.
Words are powerful tools, and when I am dealing with something, someone, or some emotions Iâm struggling to comprehend, writing is my way of âworking the situationâ.
I am a big fan of getting into nature and letting the peace help me clear my mind and focus on what I am trying to figure out. People laugh when I tell them I am going to âsit on a rockâ for a while and just be. For me anyway, until I clear my mind, and focus, I canât find the right words for what needs to be said.
Iâve found this process to be key in writing, particularly when I am writing about what may be considered powerful and heartfelt subjects. Iâve also found that Native American Flute music helps me to find that place in me when there is not a rock available. Yep, I am just an old hippie at heart.
7. Can you walk us through your songwriting process? Do you typically start with lyrics or music first?
Your previous album, âCrossing Willow Creek,â earned you millions of global streams. How do you feel about the international reception of your music?
Well, itâs cool. When folks like what I do itâs a great feeling. When folks relate to what Iâve written, itâs a fantastic feeling. When someone listens, smiles, cries, thinks, or just feels better for those 3-4 minutes, then itâs all worthwhile. Iâm lucky that so many folks have shared those experiences with me.
In addition to your music, you are also known for your philanthropy work. Can you tell us more about your involvement with charities and causes?
Iâve been blessed throughout my life to be able to help a few folks out along the way. There are so many good organizations that have the right idea and the right execution of their mission statements. I support a few of these. I also support youth organizations that are helping kids get a good start in life. Iâve done several charity concerts over the years to help youth organizations with their funding.
That said, one of the things I focus on is based on my song âCall Their Nameâ. Itâs amazing how much impact you can have by a simple one-on-one interaction with someone who needs a little help. It does not have to be much, a bottle of water, a lunch, a coat, a new pair of gloves, or just a conversation to help understand their situation. Imagine if you will that everyone who could helped one person each day, what the world would be like. ImagineâĶ
Whatâs next for Bill Abernathy? Any upcoming projects or tours that your fans should be on the lookout for?
Right now we are really focusing on the âMOREâ album and getting it out there for folks to listen to. So far, itâs going exceptionally well. There could be a tour this year if things continue to go well.
As a singer songwriter itâs not like writing, ideas, and inspiration just stop, so I continue to write, and we will see where that leads. Iâll go find me a rock and some Native American Flute music, and we shall see what can happenâĶ
http://www.billabernathy.com/
